The five-star quarterback dazzles the college football world by declining $7.3 million, decommitting from Colorado, and selecting the Michigan Wolverines over Florida State and Notre Dame…
The Five-Star Quarterback Shakes Up College Football by Choosing Michigan Over $7.3 Million Deal
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richards has officially decommitted from the University of Colorado, turning down a reported $7.3 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) endorsements to instead commit to the University of Michigan. The highly coveted signal-caller chose the Wolverines over fellow blue-blood programs Florida State and Notre Dame, citing “legacy, development, and a championship culture” as his driving motivations.
Richards, widely regarded as the top quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, had been verbally committed to Deion Sanders’ Colorado program for months. His explosive arm talent, elite mobility, and cerebral football IQ made him the centerpiece of what many believed could be a turning point in Colorado’s resurgence. But after months of growing speculation and mounting pressure from other national powers, Richards made the announcement via a live stream on Thursday afternoon — donning a maize and blue cap and delivering a calm but powerful statement: “This is about more than money. It’s about becoming the best player and man I can be.”
The decision is not only a massive recruiting victory for Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore — in just his second year after taking the reins from Jim Harbaugh — but also a testament to the power of tradition, coaching stability, and long-term development in the new NIL era. With Michigan fresh off a national championship appearance and boasting a defense-led, pro-style system, the Wolverines offered Richards a pathway to NFL preparation few programs can rival.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the $7.3 million NIL offer from Colorado was one of the largest ever extended to a high school prospect. Richards’ decision to walk away from it could mark a pivotal moment in the evolving college football ecosystem, highlighting a growing realization among elite recruits that immediate money may not outweigh long-term positioning for NFL success.
Florida State and Notre Dame were reportedly still in the hunt until the final 72 hours before the decision. Both programs made aggressive pitches, with the Seminoles emphasizing their recent ACC dominance and dynamic offensive scheme, while Notre Dame leaned heavily on tradition, academics, and quarterback development. But Michigan’s combination of on-field success, NFL-caliber coaching, and a strong NIL infrastructure — albeit more structured and conservative — ultimately sealed the deal.
For Colorado, this represents a gut-punch to Deion Sanders’ recruiting momentum. Coach Prime has built a culture of flair and opportunity, but losing a generational talent like Richards despite a record-setting NIL offer raises questions about sustainability and player development perception.
As for Michigan, the buzz is palpable in Ann Arbor. Richards is expected to enroll early in January 2026 and will compete for the starting role soon after. With a championship-caliber defense and now a potential franchise quarterback of the future, the Wolverines have just positioned themselves to remain at the pinnacle of college football for years to come.
In the end, Jalen Richards may have turned down $7.3 million — but he may have just made a much richer decision.
